fat soluble vitamins

• what are the fat soluble vitamins ?

  A, D, E, K
• what is the function of vitamin A in the body ?

  maintenance of skin and mucus membranes

  essential for maintaining healthy immune function
• what are sources of vitamin A?

  animal sources - liver and whole milk.

  plant sources - green leafy vegetable, carrots and orange coloured fruits
• what kind of deficiency can vitamin A create ?


  exces can be toxic, causing liver and bone damage
• what is the function of vitamin D in the body ?

  absorption as use of calcium and phosphorus

  maintenance and strength of bones and teeth
• what are sources of vitamin D?

  sunlight on the skin

  dietary source - oily fish, meat, eggs and fortified breakfast cereals and margarines
• what kind of deficiency can vitamin D create ?

  bones that become week and can bend

  rickets in children

  osteomalacia in adults

  weak teeth
• what is the function of vitamin E in the body ?

  antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes

  maintains healthy skin and eyes
• what are sources of vitamin E ?

  polyunsaturated fats e.g. sunflower oils

  nuts, seeds and wheat germ
• what kind of deficiency can vitamin E create ?

  a deficiency is very rare
• what is the function of vitamin K in the body ?

  normal clotting of blood
• what are sources of vitamin K ?

  green leafy vegetables

  cheese

  bacon

  liver
• what kind of deficiency can vitamin K create ?

  a deficiency is rare

  newborn babies are given a dose of vitamin K
• which vitamin is destroyed on exposure to oxygen ?

  vitamin C